Security staff at Byculla zoo on alert following Delhi incident

A man was mauled to death by a tiger at the Delhi zoo on Tuesday; authorities say such an incident will not occur in Mumbai as carnivores are kept in closed enclosures

Taking a cue from the Delhi zoo incident, wherein a white tiger mauled a 20-year-old to death on Tuesday after he slipped into the animal’s enclosure, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan or Byculla zoo authorities have asked its security staff to be on high alert.

Zoo authorities said the security staff has been asked to ensure that people don’t go too close to the enclosures, especially children. File pic

The guards have been asked to be on their toes, especially during the weekends when the footfall of visitors increases manifold. The zoo authorities, however, claimed that chances of a Delhi-like incident happening here was next to impossible as there are very few carnivores in the zoo. And the existing ones are kept in closed enclosures.

Security guards have been ordered to keep an eye on visitors and prevent them, particularly children, from going close to the animal enclosures. Authorities also claimed that boards specifying ‘dos and don’ts’ have already been installed outside every enclosure.

Official speakZoo director Dr Anil Anjankar said, “The incident that took place in Delhi was unfortunate, but we are confident that such things won’t happen here because our enclosures are closed.

Moreover, we have asked our security staff to be on high alert and take care of the crowd. A large number of people visit the zoo on weekends, and we will ensure that no untoward incidents occur.”

In case of emergencyZoo authorities said they were adequately equipped to handle an untoward incident. One of the officials said a handgun, three blowguns and tranquiliser darts were always kept handy.

However, the authorities said there was no plan to purchase additional darts. With the zoo being revamped shortly, the equipment will be upgraded, said a zoo official.

Environment ministry Officials review Delhi zoo

New Delhi: A day after a 20-year-old youth was mauled to death by a white tiger in Delhi Zoo, teams from Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Central Zoo Authority reviewed the safety measures for visitors at the facility.

The teams will submit a report to top MoEF and Central Zoo authorities about yesterday’s incident, its circumstances and the way the tragedy could have been averted.

Tragic endIn March 2010, an unidentified youth lost his life after he entered the elephant enclosure at the Byculla zoo. Livid at the intrusion, Laxmi grabbed the intruder by her trunk and hammered him against the wall until the man died.